KR20080015452A - Video game and video game system enhancement method and system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention discloses a system using video games and data communication outside of a video game, the system used to provide gamers with advertisements, prizes, and other benefits. Prizes refer to content for use in a video game environment as well as to real world products and services. Ads are provided to gamers during a video game session. When gamers interact with advertisements, video game software operates to facilitate transactions between gamers and advertisers.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ENHANCING VIDEO GAMES AND VIDEO GAME SYSTEMS}

The present invention relates to video games and more specifically to services provided to video game users.

In recent years, computer games have become increasingly popular, and today many players are playing online games all over the world. As expected, interactive computer games played on an online-enabled platform blur the boundaries between games and other entertainment or communication media, and interactive internet applications in all areas of business relationships and social life are searched for in game development. Well laid on new grounds for

Due to its dynamic nature and specific appeal to specific audiences, computer games and in particular games played on Internet-enabled platforms provide an ideal medium for Internet advertising. Advertisers are not only able to target a specific group of customers directly, but also selectively allow advertisements to be directly incorporated into a computer game, similar to the known concept of indirect advertising. It would be desirable to have a method and system for efficiently combining the above two concepts and thereby bridging from the world of advertising to the world of computer games.

However, advertising that enables games suffers from the complexity of most other advertisements. Usually, one or more advertisements are placed in the virtual game world, and the screening of advertisements is determined by gameplay progress. In addition, a spot for displaying an advertisement is adjacent to a building or an object or other spot, all of which contribute to making a given spot more or less appealing than other spots. In addition, the game also optionally supports multimedia spots.

There are many forms of advertising, including indirect advertising, Interstitial Advertisement, contests, promotions, coupons, and other ways of distributing advertisements. Unfortunately, so far only indirect and banner ads are searched within video games. This comes from the technology in which video games are made.

Initial advertisements on the Internet generally take the form of banner advertisements displayed on websites. The cost of these advertisements is based on the number of times each page containing a known advertisement is uploaded for display to an end user system. For example, every time a website is uploaded, the owner of the website makes money. The advertiser pays the service provider for the delivery of the banner ad, and the service provider pays the website owner periodically. Unfortunately, this model has been exploited excessively, for example, by providing the system with an automatic routine that causes banner advertisements to appear repeatedly on a web site.

It is now more common to provide banner advertisements that capture when a user clicks on a banner and thus generate revenue for the website owner. In this way, the revenue model for banner advertising associates a user's level of interaction with a verifiable banner. In addition, systems within the same physical location of accessing a web site are typically limited to generating revenue only once within a predetermined time period (eg, every day). This restriction limits many forms of abuse. Those skilled in the art understand that when a particular advertisement is provided to a video game and there is no demonstrable interaction between the gamer and the advertisement, it is unclear whether the gamer will recognize the advertisement. For example, if a static advertisement is provided to a gamer while game software is loaded, it is difficult to simply determine how effective the advertisement is because the gamer does not realize that they are watching the advertisement.

In the context of video game advertising, it is very beneficial to support multiple advertising models. However, for many behavioral video games, it is unreasonable to expect video game users to turn their attention away from the video game in order to respond to advertisements. Unfortunately, the complexity of ad placement introduces additional complexity in reporting attention. Forming interest is very complex because gameplay affects viewing angles, visibility, length of time that interest is provided, and repetition of interest. In the world of Internet advertising, interest quality measurement can be prevented by capturing and reporting the formation of "Click Throuth" instead of interest, but it is difficult to measure capture in video games.

There is a need to provide additional features within video games that enhance the business case for advancing the game while improving the user experience.

According to the invention, there is provided a method comprising: transmitting a first electronic message from a first population comprising a gamer to a second population; And transmitting a second electronic message from a system in response to the first electronic message, wherein the second electronic message provides benefits to the gamer, wherein at least one of the first electronic message and the second electronic message is executed. Other than at least one of the first electronic message and the second electronic message is provided based on minimal information provided from the video game being executed, and the second electronic message is provided in addition to the video game being played. A method is provided that includes the step of transmitting that is not related to technical support for a game.

According to another embodiment of the invention, providing a video game system; Providing instruction data that, when executed, results in the execution of the video game; Executing the command data; And during the normal execution of the video game, imprinting an impression in the field of view of the video game and the video game environment to a gamer interfacing with the video game, wherein the impression is remoted beyond the video game. And a code indicating an address for contacting the system, wherein the stamped code includes the stamping step that changes over the life of the video game.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method including providing real world data related to a real world event; Providing an interface for receiving the real world data in a video game; Providing the real world data to the video game in the execution of the video game; Using the real world data to affect event and video game play based on the real world event; And providing a video game experience that includes an event that is similar to the real world event, wherein the video game experience provides the video game experience that varies with the change of the real world event.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a video game system related to a gamer; Providing communication equipment other than the video game system; Providing instruction data that, when executed, results in the execution of the video game; Initiating a video game session on the video game system by executing the command data; Exceeding a predetermined goal within a virtual environment of the video game session; A method is provided that includes receiving data with the communication equipment in response to exceeding the predetermined goal.

According to another embodiment of the invention, providing a server; Providing a video game system for executing a video game, the video game system providing the video game system for supporting communication with a first network; Transmitting address data from the server to the video game system to be imprinted to the user of the video game system during execution of the video game, the data being used in electronic communication via something other than the video game There is provided a communication method comprising the address data transmission step.

1 is a simplified block diagram of a system used for implementing and describing embodiments of the present invention.

2 is a simplified flowchart of a communication method using a Short Message Service (SMS) code provided within a video game environment.

3 is a simplified flowchart of a method of releasing a new game.

4A is a flow diagram illustrating another embodiment of the invention in which an SMS code is provided to an electronic address associated with a gamer in response to an input signal from the gamer provided during a video game session.

FIG. 4B is a flow diagram illustrating another embodiment of the invention in which an SMS code is provided to an electronic address associated with a gamer in response to the gamer input signal provided during a video game session.

5 is a simplified block diagram in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention that supports the use of computing equipment used to support video game sessions used as SMS message equipment within a video game session.

6 is a simplified block diagram in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention in which a benefit is provided to a user in response to the user completing a predetermined task within a video game session.

7 is a simplified block diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention in which a benefit outside of a video game is provided to a user who has achieved a predetermined goal in the video game.

8 is a simplified flow diagram of a method of recovering and relying on real world data to affect aspects of video game play.

9 is a simplified flowchart of a method of recovering and relying on real world weather data to influence aspects of video game play.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In order to improve game play, it has been proposed to provide some aspects of the game within the video game itself, and to provide other aspects outside of the video game. Previous video games communicated with external systems using the computer's communications hardware to contact video game users. Since external contacts were sometimes unwelcome, such as receiving a fax message at night, the mass adoption of the video game concept using aspects outside of video games failed. Conversely, it is known to support multiplayer video game play by having one or more systems communicate with each other during video game play. This is typically accomplished via peer-to-peer communication or server. Common examples of this communication include massively multiplayer online games (MMOGs), multiplayer video games for XBOX LIVE®, and an infrared communication to an interconnected console or network personal computer or to a video game system. It includes a multiplayer game played over a port.

A typical business that is close to the support of server-based communication models such as XBOX LIVE® or MMOG is a payment model that either registers with each game system to contact the server, or charges a monthly fee to each registered user. These charges offset the operating costs of the server, the cost of communication to and from the server when it benefits as a successful result. When not successful, the costs are incurred by the server provider, which will incur significant costs at the start of the business. In addition, for each independent server, a separate registration process and monthly fee are required. As an alternative for systems supported by a single server, limitations are suggested by the server operator and limit the production capacity of generating additional revenue through online services.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, one aspect of a video game flows into activity beyond the scope of the video game and / or one aspect of activity beyond the scope of the video game is useful in a video game. Some non-limiting examples of activities beyond the scope of video games and the interface between video games and activities are described below.

The terms "video game user" and "gamer" are used interchangeably in this application, and the term gamer refers to a user of a video game or a person playing a video game.

The term "teaser" as used in this application and in the claims refers to information intended to encourage gamers to play or capture video games. For example, a teaser can be one or more images of a scene in a video game, a playable level of a video game, a video clip of a level in a video game, a video clip advertising a video game, and an interview with a video game creator. It includes.

As used herein and in the claims, the term "Asset" includes virtual objects such as knives, weapons, spells, cars, tools, food, money, and the like; Virtual qualities such as stamina, life, ability, etc .; And a portion of the play value in a video game that includes virtual skills such as flight capability, improved accuracy, and the like.

The term "Tournament" as used in the present application and claims indicates that there is a predetermined goal and that multiple players play to achieve the same goal, and that a known number of players or teams of players are trying to win the tournament.

As used herein and in the claims, the term "Financial Incentive" refers to the benefit of a gamer incurring some money gains or reduced money costs.

As used herein and in the claims, the term "promotion" refers to those generally used in the field of promotional advertising, such as providing a discount, offering something for free, or providing something in advance prior to release. .

Referring to FIG. 1, a simplified block diagram of the system is shown. The system includes a video game console 101 in the Internet format, a personal computer 102, and a server 103 coupled to the broadband communication medium 105 to support communication between the components. In addition, many other communication systems are shown coupled to a broadband communication network 105 including general servers 106 and 107. A telephone 110 is shown to support communications and voice communications over a public switching network 115 within the same diagram. Although empirically many telephones exist in different locations, only one is shown to simplify the diagram. A wireless contact network in the form of a digital wireless communication network 120 is shown having a wireless communication system 121, which is coupled for communication with the digital wireless communication network 120. Examples of wireless communication system 121 include a mobile telephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile computer, a mobile pager, and mobile text messaging equipment. Also shown is a mobile phone type SMS communication equipment 104 that communicates with a wireless communication network 120.

2, a simplified flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. In step 201 the video game is run on a video game system in the form of a personal computer 102). In step 202, content for attention of gamers in the video game during execution of the video game is provided in a message format including an address in the form of an SMS message address. In step 203 the content is of interest to the user during the execution of the video game. The video game system is in communication with a computer communication network 105. The SMS message address is for use in a network other than computer communication network 105, such as wireless communication network 120, and is communicated by video game system 102 or the like.

In step 204, the gamer sends an electronic message to the SMS message address via the SMS device 104 and the wireless network 120 using the SMS message address and the SMS device 104. If an electronic message is received in step 205, the SMS message is responded with data or information intended for the user in step 206. Preferably, the information or data is valuable to the user in order to encourage the user to send a message to the SMS address.

Alternatively, the address may be a telephone number for use in communications over the public telephone network 115, a website URL for use in communications over the broadband network 105, use in communications over the broadband network 105. At least one of an e-mail address, and a mobile pager address for use in communication via the general telephone network 115. In addition, the address includes first data for use in either sending and formatting the message to the address. For example, the address may optionally include a message content contained in the message sent by the gamer, the location in the game, the data for use in identifying the particular game, the particular interest, the data for preparation, or the message sent by the gamer. It includes.

Referring to FIG. 3, a new video game is produced for release in step 301. Video game creators strive to build awareness and momentum for upcoming titles. To satisfy this and increase customer awareness, a marketing strategy is usually established for the advertising campaign and released to the media. Multiple teasers for the title to be published are deliverable to the user of the video game system. In step 302 the code is provided to interest the gamer. While the user plays a video game, for example, a video game in which the sequel will soon be released, the user is shown a code in SMS address format in step 303. The user sends a message to the SMS address using the SMS address, which message includes the email address. The server at the SMS address receives the message (steps 304 and 305) and sends content associated with the subsequent email address in the form of a background image to be used on the personal computer. Therefore, the user gets a nice background and the creator builds awareness of the sequel and promotes the sequel. The wallpaper image is preferably visually captivating and designed to encourage the user to purchase a sequel. Thus, video games encourage users to engage in real world activities based on something displayed within a video game.

Alternatively, the user sends an SMS message to the SMS address and receives a URL from where the wallpaper image is downloaded in response. In this case, the user experience is less convenient, but the user potentially sends the URL to others to further spread the author's message. The important point is that the number of users who download the wallpaper image is known, so the capture can be accurately measured. Advantageously, new wallpaper images are provided around the release of the sequel to build momentum and increase expectations for the release of the sequel. In addition, teaser materials such as playable levels, video demos, clips, and other video game related materials are created based on data provided to the user from within other video games. In this way, the user is encouraged to engage in real world events (SMS messages) in response to the play of the video game.

Additionally, upon sending a message to the SMS address, the user is provided with contact with other promotional information, such as a coupon, information about the subsequent piece, data about the contact of the subsequent piece of information, a teaser for the subsequent piece, and the like.

Alternatively, upon sending a message to the SMS address, the user is provided a format or format address for subsequent orders or preorders. Therefore, video game companies use prerelease and related video games to distribute sequels and other related video game products, video games, and video game hardware.

Although the above embodiment represents a game related to data recovery, the data is optionally associated with something completely unrelated to the video game. For example, when an SMS message is sent, the server responds with an electronic coupon. The user redeems the electronic coupon in a conventional manner. Optionally, the redemption of coupons benefits the user in the video game. As a simple example, a discount is provided when purchasing a burger. When a user redeems a coupon and buys a burger, there is code for food in the video game that allows them to contact additional features in the form of additional levels, improved tools, improved play, and / or other desirable video game rewards. Is provided. For example, the user is provided with an additional knife.

In another embodiment, the data is provided to the user in the form of useful information to benefit the user during game play. For example, at a difficult point in a video game or at a point where a user cannot move forward beyond a mere reasonable delay, the video game and, preferably, help with a particular portion of the video game. The address for contacting is displayed. By using the provided address, the user contacts directly or via the content of the reply message desired for the user in the current progress context within the video game.

Advantageously, the use of other networks can be cashed separately from the video game itself, either through individual advertising revenues and promotional revenue or by sending invoices directly as in the case of SMS messages. Optionally, an invoice is also sent to a third party associated with one of the user and the video game provider. Metrics for measuring acquisition, for example SMS codes, are collected by monitoring the use of a given address. Specifically, if the user establishes data communication outside the context of the game, it is clear that the game content is successfully provided to the user and the user uses the content. Of course, embodiments of the present invention do not need to register a copy of the video game to identify the user, since user identification is provided on an alternative network.

Alternatively, when the video game system identification is known or configurable, the user optionally identifies the video game system via an alternative communication network. Upon receiving the indication of the video game system identifier, the server sends the data or additional content directly to the video game system. Even in such cases, the cashing of transactions is supported via alternative networks. In addition, the method of the present invention supports the use of a promotion to receive a code to use prior to receiving data or additional content. Therefore, use of the method according to an embodiment of the present invention supports promotion.

Alternatively, the SMS compatible code is embedded in the advertisement, which is of interest to the video game user when the advertisement is received. By itself, the advertisement can be cashed on the basis of interest, and additionally cashed on the basis of acquisition. This provides the advertiser with a dual mechanism for setting up valuable ads.

Referring to FIG. 4A, a simple flowchart of a method according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. In step 401 the gamer registers an address in the form of an SMS address that is compatible with the device 104 with the server 106. During this registration process, the gamer provides data to support the gamer to send information by communication other than a return communication such as e-mail, for example. In step 402, the gamer initiates a video game session at computing equipment 102. The computing equipment 102 establishes communication with the server via the broadband communication network 105 in the Internet format. At step 403 and during the game session, an address in the form of an SMS address is provided to the gamer from the server via network 105, optionally with instructions of benefit associated with contacting the SMS address. In step 404 the gamer provides the SMS address to the SMS compatible device 104 and sends a message to the server. In response, in step 405 the server sends the benefit to the gamer via the contact information provided at registration. For example, the benefits include images, hints, teaser levels, bios, and alternative information.

When a user sends an SMS message, the user receives an invoice according to the user's payment for SMS planning and communication. Alternatively, SMS communication forms part of the overall communication package and is not billed to the user individually for each SMS message. In any case, the SMS message is directly attributable to the gamer or related to a charge in the gamer's communication package and therefore is capable of cashing.

If payment is provided, part of the payment is optionally refunded to the provider of the benefit. For example, driving video games provide a splash screen with suggestions to provide access to the official foreign automaker screensaver via SMS address. Gamers interested in obtaining a screensaver, for example, provide an email address to the SMS address via their SMS compatible device. In response, an email is sent to the email address, which includes the URL and authentication code for accessing the screensaver. Gamers visit websites that respond to the provided link, provide a verification code, and download a screensaver. Because gamers pay for SMS messages, the cost paid by gamers is offset from the costs associated with downloading screensavers. In addition, the creators of screensavers are rewarded to ensure that the screensavers are of good quality. Of course, the website optionally includes advertisements or other promotional data to be imprinted on the gamer. In addition, the creator of the screensaver is optionally provided with a portion of the SMS message charges incurred by the user. Alternatively, the screensaver is sent directly via email along with other information such as advertisement information. With minor modifications, other deliveries and other delivery networks use 1-900 phone numbers to receive game-related hints and 1-900 to receive addresses that optionally support simple advertising messages or access hints. Advertising messages are optionally supported using phone numbers.

In another non-limiting example, a fast food restaurant type business may have a food item type when a customer provides an in-game displayed code or something received in response to a customer accessing an address displayed in the game. Offer discounts on your products or services. For example, a coupon is sent to the gamer in response to a message sent to an address. Since the gamer is registered, it is possible to send a coupon to the gamer's registered electronic address, which can be indexed by the gamer's SMS address.

Referring to FIG. 4B, a simplified flowchart is shown. In step 451, the gamer registers with the video game and provides address data during registration. In step 452, the gamer initiates a video game session on computing equipment 102. The computing equipment 102 establishes communication with the server via the broadband communication network 105 in the Internet format. In step 453 an icon with an advertisement is provided to the gamer during the video game session. A user who wishes to obtain the benefits associated with an advertisement interacts with the advertisement in a predetermined manner, e.g. by moving the cursor toward the icon and providing a suitable user input signal in the form of a button press. Alternatively, user interaction includes interaction with an imperative three-dimensional object that is the advertisement itself in the form of an indirect advertisement. In response to the player's action, a message is automatically sent from the video game to the server at step 454. In step 455, the message is sent to the address provided during registration. For example, the message from the server includes an SMS address. Optionally, the message also includes information related to a statement indicating the origin of the advertisement and the message. Optionally, the user is provided with the option of not interacting with such advertisements by simply providing a predetermined input signal that prevents the user from interacting or responds to the interaction. The resulting communication allows video games with advertising content to provide the user with additional data for additional advertising or for some other known purpose, to measure capture, or to attract the user to the promotion. Advantageously, user actions to engage in the process are performed within the video game and do not require any user interaction outside of the video game until the video game play session is completed.

For example, in a video game session with a virtual billboard that includes a soft drink advertisement displayed on the virtual billboard, once a gamer is registered and selected-the provision of interactive advertising content over an external network is authenticated-the advertisement is additionally refreshed. Include a discount offer for the purchase of a drink. When the gamer moves the cursor over an advertisement and provides an input signal, the software process determines whether such an advertisement is possible and, if possible, provides an electronic message to the server that directs the advertisement and event-taking-up. In response, an electronic transmission including a coupon for the soft drink is sent to the registered address of the gamer. If the gamer does not authenticate the interactive advertisement, no coupon is sent to the gamer's address.

Optionally, the video game supports dynamically downloading the asset, and the asset includes an SMS address and optionally benefits associated with the SMS address. New assets are downloaded from the server to the computing equipment 102 via the broadband network 105 during the video game session. In this way, new suggestions are optionally provided to gamers during video game sessions. Alternatively, static content including the address is embedded in the game and the content provided in response changes based on the downloaded data associated with the static address.

Optionally, sending a message to an address in the form of an SMS address benefits gamers in the context of the video game itself. For example, a software company provides a software program with parts available only after being connected to an SMS address. Alternatively, the video game has a number of features and / or levels accessible via an SMS message, and an SMS message is sent to initiate the release of the video game features and / or levels in response to the SMS address displayed in the video game. do. In this way, software is provided to video game buyers at a discounted cost, and additional cost is optionally provided when gamers want to access more software features. By providing software at a discounted cost, gamers can more easily obtain and evaluate the software. Alternatively, new game assets are optionally provided to gamers when new game assets and SMS addresses communicate.

Referring to FIG. 5, another simplified block diagram is shown. This embodiment is characterized by including computing equipment 501 supporting video game sessions, broadband network 502 in Internet form, server 503, and SMS compatible equipment 504. Gamers initiate game sessions and register for video games by providing an SMS address. The validity of the SMS address is verified. The user is presented with an icon associated with the SMS address during the video game session. Gamers who wish to benefit from an SMS address respond to the icon by providing an appropriate user input signal such as, for example, moving the cursor toward the icon and clicking a mouse input button. In response to the player's actions, an SMS message is provided to the address associated with the gamer and the SMS account associated with the gamer is billed. Optionally, SMS messages are provided for charges associated with the delivery of SMS messages. Optionally, the message includes a benefit. In this manner, gamers do not need to enter an SMS code into an SMS compatible device to receive the benefit.

As video games become more popular, there have recently been tournaments for video game players who are trying to beat other gamers in the video game environment to win prizes. Such tournaments are generally useful for promoting video games and specifically for promoting specific titles of video games. Therefore, tournaments represent the format of advertising. The victory of the tournament gives the winning gamer a certain reputation among other gamers in addition to any prizes associated with the tournament itself. Although video games are popular among various different population groups, they are the most popular among competing players.

Recently, when two people play a video game in a competitive context, in many cases, even if such statistics are not stored, the only record of results is typically the case of win / loss statistics. Some games support monitoring and storage in archive data that is optionally used to replay previous game sessions. Most video games that support this type of replay are designed for use on personal computers. Similarly, it is desirable for video game producers to provide additional rewards to video game players that play frequently.

Because of this, organizing video game tournaments, such as whether video game tournaments are held in a single location or different players at different locations in remote locations, is conducting video game tournaments over broadband communications media. . Tournament organizers must decide on the appropriate player, appropriate rules, appropriate awards and appropriate publication formats relating to promotions and results. All of this is typically done outside the space of a video game. Additionally, even for video game tournaments, tournaments typically run in one way or another, like a sports tournament. Typically, the audience is present to watch game play or at the location of one tournament player or another tournament player when a video game tournament is played remotely. In order to better support a multiplayer environment and challenge, it is advantageous to connect out-of-game functionality and in-game play.

For example, during an MMOG, each gamer is represented by an avatar in the virtual environment. During play, when the second gamer wants to contact the first gamer, text or voice communication is initiated within the MMOG. The first gamer responds to or ignores the communication. Usually, the first gamer is busy and chooses not to immediately respond to the second gamer due to an ongoing event or interaction. Unfortunately, once the event is no longer urgent, the second gamer is no longer in the immediate vicinity of the first gamer. Thus, the potential communication is lost, and the content of the communication remains unknown. Advantageously, when the gamer fails to respond to an initial contact attempt, the second gamer is provided with communication data that later supports communication with the first gamer. For example, the communication data includes one of an SMS contact address and an email address of the first gamer. Preferably, communication data is created by the MMOG server and has a very limited lifespan while all transmitted communication messages are sent to the first gamer.

The communication message optionally includes an email message or an SMS message. More optionally, the communication data includes a URL. Alternatively, an SMS code is provided to the second gamer that is used to provide contact information and specific information related to the first gamer, including data related to the game history, such as win-loss records for the first gamer. do. In this way, the second gamer can review the qualifications of the first gamer and determine whether it is desirable to challenge the first gamer to oppose.

Therefore, tournament setup is facilitated because communication with each player is supported within or outside the video game environment to identify gamers and invite gamers to the tournament. In addition, the contact information is useful for setting up practice sessions, teams, groups for MMOG play, and the like.

According to another embodiment, the code is imprinted to allow invited gamers to access the tournament from within the video game environment. For example, an SMS code is provided, and tournament information including an access code is provided by sending a message. The players in the tournament then provide the access code for play.

Optionally, the match between the first and second gamers is associated with the first and second gamers competing for the prize. Optionally, it is assumed that others are allowed to act as spectators in the game and contribute to the game by providing the appropriate SMS code. The phase is optionally contributed in a number of ways. For example, each gamer optionally agrees to provide game assets to the virtual repository where the contents of the virtual repository are made available to the winners of the match. Alternatively, the sponsor of the match provides a prize. More optionally, the award is given to the winner of the match by providing the winning gamer with the SMS code used to win the prize. Those skilled in the art understand that relatively large tournaments are selectively treated as a collection of various different award-winning matches provided to achieve certain predetermined criteria.

Referring to FIG. 6, a simplified block diagram of the system is shown. System 600 includes computing equipment 601 that supports video games, a public network 602 that supports broadband communications, and communications equipment 603. The computing equipment 601 and the communications equipment 603 both support data that is connected to the public network 602. The computing equipment 601 is, for example, a personal computer. However, other forms of computing equipment 601, such as game consoles, are also supported by various alternatives. In alternative embodiments, computing equipment 601 is a game console, and in other embodiments computing equipment 601 is a portable gaming equipment. Other suitable computing equipment includes computer-based gambling systems and mobile phones that support video games. Embodiments of the present invention support various forms of communication equipment 603. The first form of communication equipment 603 is a mobile phone. Optionally, a suitably equipped personal computer is communication equipment 603. Note that the communication equipment 603 and the computing equipment 601 are distinguished from each other even though they optionally include very similar hardware. A user of computing equipment 601 is registered so that the electronic addresses of computing equipment 601 and communication equipment 603 are associated with the same user. Computing equipment 601 supports a video game environment that provides a variety of tasks to the user for completion. When the user completes a particular task during various tasks, a message is provided to the communication equipment 603. Various messages are provided, for example

1. a text message such as a command to receive a coupon or a command to find an Easter egg within a video game

2. Game-related static video data, such as computer wallpapers with specific themes related to video games.

3. Data related to the video stream, optionally the video stream, which virtually recreates a portion of the video game

4. Audio message and / or

5. Ring tone or text message pager used in programmable mobile phones

Optionally, communication equipment 603 associated with the user is also associated with the user's Acquaintance. The acknowledgment provides the user with information related to the computed address of the recognized computing equipment 603. Thus, when the user completes a particular task in the video game, a notification is sent. In this way, if a user and a user both play a game that requires a game experience according to the rules for playing together, the system according to an embodiment of the present invention is notified of what criteria the user meets. do. Thus, for example, if two friends are playing the same game in different virtual environments and the first friend is instructed to achieve certain goals for playing in the virtual environment currently being used by the second friend, The second friend is notified via the second friend's communication equipment when the first friend is approved to participate in the associated virtual environment. This helps to enhance the gaming experience by notifying the user when two friends can play together. Although the example of the friend described above describes a situation in which the first friend notifies the second friend when the goal is satisfied, the alternative embodiment of the present invention supports a plurality of predetermined users who are notified in the progress of the first friend. It is obvious to those skilled in the art. Optionally, to confirm that only the desired message has been provided, the first friend and the second friend agree to the transmission of the data described above prior to the transmission of any data.

Referring to FIG. 7, a system 700 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention is provided. System 700 includes computing equipment 701, a public network 702 that supports broadband communications such as the Internet, communication equipment 703, and server 704. The communication equipment 703 supports data ports to support communication with the public network 702. Server 704 includes a data port that supports communication with public network 702. Server 704 is associated with a video game running on computing equipment 701. Gamers using a particular game on computing equipment 701 are registered to use the game. The registration process includes a gamer providing an e-mail address. When a user achieves a particular goal in a gaming environment, computing equipment 701 provides a message to server 704 via public network 702. Server 704 provides e-mail messages to gamers over public networks. The message optionally includes any of congratulatory messages, coupons for other products related to one of the games and computing equipment 701, suggestions for providing additional game play information to the server 704, new video game content, and the like. . In this manner, computer game developers can identify users who have demonstrated the skill level of the game, thereby offering the user the opportunity to act as a beta tester, for example, for other video games. Alternatively, the user is provided with a message related to the advertisement for the actual product. For example, if a user wins a virtual car race using a virtual car modeled to resemble a real car, the user is invited to a local car dealership to take a picture at the corresponding real car at the local dealership. Alternatively, the user is invited for a test drive of the actual vehicle.

Alternatively, server 704 is contacted during a video game session in which the user plays a particular game associated with server 704. Video games support downloadable asset content provided by server 704. Thus, for example, a user purchases a car racing game that supports downloadable car assets. As a promotion for a new sports car, a downloadable car asset is created that features a new sports car or alternatively an advertisement for a new sports car. This asset is made available to the user within the virtual environment of the video game. In an event where the user wins using a downloadable asset in a virtual car race, the server 704 is notified of this event. Server 704 then provides a congratulatory message to the gamer. The message includes an invitation to visit the local car dealership to test the actual car and optionally to test drive it. More optionally, the asset content includes information related to contacting the asset server when the user provides predetermined user registration information. In this way, assets and asset-related promotions are not optionally linked directly with developers or video game publishers. More optionally, the user provides user registration information when the asset is provided in a video game. Clearly, a wide variety of benefits are optionally provided to gamers through email accounts. Those skilled in the art understand that optionally provided messages include an Internet address and an authentication code that can be used a limited number of times.

Referring to FIG. 8, a simplified flowchart of a method of integrating real world data into a video game for improved game play is shown. In step 801, a video game is executed. The video game running at step 802 communicates with the network to recover real world data from the real world. In step 803, the video game uses real world data in determining aspects of video game play. At step 804, video game execution continues to integrate those aspects of video game play based on real world data.

Referring to FIG. 9, a more detailed example of a method of integrating real world data into a video game for improved game play is shown in a simplified flowchart. In step 901, a video game is executed. The video game running in step 802 communicates with the network to recover real world data in weather (weather) data format. In step 803 the video game uses the weather data in determining the weather for the video game associated with the weather data. For example, Rain in weather data generates rain in video games. At step 804, video game execution continues to incorporate the weather based on real world data. Thus, video game play is somewhat randomized by the very nature of continuously evolving and changing real world data.

Alternatively, real world data has a similar aspect that seems irrelevant within a video game. Changes in the weather reflect changes in health or money within the video game environment.

Typically, when weather data is used to affect weather within a video game environment, the weather data is associated with a predetermined location. In larger video game environments, weather data is mapped to the virtual geography of the video game environment when associated with a larger geographic area. For example, the northeastern portion of the video game environment receives weather similar to the state of New York, while the southwestern portion of the video game receives weather similar to the weather in California.

Of course, real world data may optionally select some or all of political geographic data, economic data, weather data, traffic data, astronomical data, news data, demand and supply data, and statistical data related to one or more populations. Include as. In addition, real-world data is useful for generating fluctuations in video games where nature is somewhat random and at the same time somewhat statistically limited. For example, if the weather is used to change the strength of a character in a region, that varies with the season in a statistically predictable manner, but less predictable if it changes daily. . Conversely, real world data with more random nature or different number of cycles is useful for influencing different game aspects.

As another example, one of the astronomical and tidal data is useful for projecting external lighting and water levels within a video game environment. When this data is used, the positions of the moon and sun are useful for various effects in the video game.

Alternatively, real world data is converted to game environment data before it affects aspects of the video game data. For example, real world economic data is transformed into game environment economic data such as, for example, the cost of a sword. Alternatively, the transformation of real world data maintains the potential quality of the game. That is, news is transformed in a predetermined way to reflect the game aspect, sports scores are modified to reflect the sports team within the potential environment, and the name of the military group is the name and country of the military group within the video game environment. Is modified to reflect.

As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the use of real world data does not require a video game developer to program or create data in order to affect such variations. In addition, relying on real-world data increases the variety of video games and, throughout the life of such video games, video games remain fresh to gamers, just like real life. In addition, as the processor's capabilities improve, it becomes easier to support aspects of video games that change with real-world data changes.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to two separate communication systems, it is readily understood that in some embodiments the computer system selectively acts as two communication systems under the control of different software applications running on the system.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the benefit or promotion allows gamers to purchase products related to or unrelated to the video game from inside or outside the video game. Thus, a button in a video game allows the user to purchase a sequel to the video game and to send the sequel to the gamer in real world notions, or alternatively, electronically send it to the gamer. In addition, books, upgrades, toys and accessories are also available for sale to gamers via video games. In addition, methods of promoting product sales through video games are supported using address data displayed in the video game, for example, for ordering using individual communication channels other than the channel containing the video game itself.

Many other embodiments of the invention are apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention described with reference to the embodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art understand that it is customary to provide a receipt when a money transaction is completed. One skilled in the art clearly understands that the provision of an electronic receipt is easily accomplished by sending a conventional email message.

Claims (59)

Transmitting a first electronic message from a first population comprising a gamer to a second population; And Transmitting a second electronic message from a system in response to the first electronic message, wherein the second electronic message provides benefits to the gamer, wherein at least one of the first electronic message and the second electronic message is being executed. In addition to and provided from a video game, the remainder other than at least one of the first electronic message and the second electronic message is provided based on minimal information provided from the video game being executed, and the second electronic message is provided with the video game. And transmitting said irrelevant technical support for the. The method according to claim 1, And wherein said second electronic message is provided in addition to and provided from a video game system for playing said video game. The method according to claim 1, Providing code in a video game to be imprinted upon a gamer, the code being used to direct an electronic message to the second group; And Stamping the code to the gamer, wherein transmitting a first electronic message comprises the stamping performed by the gamer depending on the code. The method according to claim 3, The code includes data associated with a particular example of the video game at run time, wherein the data is directed to the second electronic message in an instance of the video game interacting with the gamer. The method used by. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, Wherein the code comprises SMS data, and the sending comprises transmitting an SMS message. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The sending comprises sending a request to a URL, wherein the code comprises the URL. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, Wherein said benefit comprises a ring tone. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The benefit includes an image for display in addition to a video game. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The benefit includes one of the teaser associated with the video game. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The benefit includes electronic data associated with the video game to enhance at least one aspect of video game play. The method according to claim 10, The electronic data includes an additional level of the video game. The method according to claim 10, The electronic data includes an asset for use within the video game. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, Wherein said benefit includes data associated with a tournament of said video game. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The benefit includes a monetary reward for the gamer. The method according to claim 14, The monetary reward includes a coupon. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The benefit includes a promotional offer. The method according to claim 15 or 16, Performing a function reflective of the promotion to obtain a promotion benefit; Receiving, together with the promotional benefit, data for use with the video game; And Providing the data to the video game during execution of the video game to obtain access to additional video game assets. The method according to claim 17, The function includes redeeming a coupon for a discount on a commercially available product or service. The method according to claim 17, The video game asset includes an additional play level in the video game. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 17, Providing said gamer address for sending a message to a gamer address, said address being associated with said gamer's electronic address, said gamer addressing said gamer address to at least one of said video game system and said second population. Providing the upper gamer address used to direct the second electronic message. The method of claim 20, The gamer address is provided during the registration process. The method of claim 20, The gamer address is provided during a video game play and the address is transmitted from the running video game to the second group. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 22, The gamer providing the gamer address to the video game system. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 22, Interacting with an advertisement in the video game; In response to the interaction, sending the first message from the video game; And In response to the first message, sending the second message to the gamer via a communication path omitted by the video game system. The method of claim 24, Wherein the interaction includes a selection of the advertisement within the video game. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 25, Receiving the data with a system other than the video game system; And Executing instructions associated with the data to complete a financial transaction. The method of claim 26, Upon completion of the financial transaction, provide receipt data to the system other than a video game system, the receipt data responsive to a receipt associated with the transaction. Providing a video game system; Providing instruction data that, when executed, results in the execution of the video game; Executing the command data; And During normal execution of the video game, imprinting an impression in the field of view of the video game and the video game environment to a gamer who interfaces with the video game, wherein the impression is passed through a remote system other than the video game. And code indicative of an address to contact with, wherein the stamped code includes the stamping step that changes over the life of the video game. The method according to claim 28, Wherein the impression comprises a code indicating an address for contacting a remote system via other than the video game system. The method according to claim 28 or 29, Wherein said code comprises a Short Message Service (SMS) code. The method according to any one of claims 28 to 30, Providing a download server; Providing a public network; Establishing a data communication path between the download server and the video game system over the public network; And And prior to imprinting the gamer, providing data indicating the code to the video system from the download server over the public network. The method according to any one of claims 28 to 31, Providing an upload server; And Using the upload server, receiving data including the code. The method according to any one of claims 30 to 32, Associating the SMS data with a user of the video game system. The method according to claim 33, Associating a user of the video game system includes associating the gamer with the code data and the instruction data. The method according to any one of claims 32 to 34, wherein Billing an account associated with the gamer in response to providing the code to the upload server. The method according to any one of claims 28 to 35, Providing data communication equipment including an input port, said data communication equipment not in data communication with said video game system; Receiving data including the code via the input port; And Transmitting data responsive to the code from the data communication equipment to an external server. Providing real world data related to real world events; Providing an interface for receiving the real world data in a video game; Providing the real world data to the video game in the execution of the video game; Using the real world data to affect event and video game play based on the real world event; And Providing a video game experience that includes an event that is similar to the real world event, wherein the video game experience includes providing the video game experience that changes with a change in the real world event. The method of claim 37, The real world data includes real world weather data, and the event is related to weather within the virtual world of the video game. The method of claim 37 or 38, The real world data includes real world traffic data, and the event is associated with traffic within the virtual world of the video game. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 39, The real world data includes real world economic data. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 40, The real world data includes real world political data. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 41, The real world data includes real world terrorist act data. The compound according to any one of claims 37 to 42, wherein The real world data includes real world sports data. The method of claim 43, The real world sports data includes data related to at least one of a specific team and a specific athletic event. The method of claim 43, The real world sport data includes data related to a particular racing car. The method of claim 43 or 44, The real world sports data includes data associated with a particular time interval having a chronological start and a chronological end. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 46, The real world data is used to mimic real world response events in the virtual environment of the video game. Providing a video game system associated with the gamer; Providing communication equipment other than the video game system; Providing instruction data that, when executed, results in the execution of the video game; Initiating a video game session on the video game system by executing the command data; Exceeding a predetermined goal within a virtual environment of the video game session; Receiving data at the communication equipment in response to exceeding the predetermined goal. The method of claim 48, Associating the communication equipment with a second and other gamers. The method of claim 49, Providing a second communication equipment associated with a third user, wherein the third user is a user other than the first and second users; And Receiving the data at the second communication equipment in response to exceeding the predetermined goal. The method of claim 48, Software supports a predetermined plurality of game assets and the data and, when combined with the software, makes available game assets other than at least the plurality of game assets. The method of claim 48, The data causes the user to purchase at least one of a real world service and a real world item. The method of claim 52, wherein At least one of the real world service and the real world item is provided at a discounted price. The method of claim 52 or 53, Receiving a user input signal instructing to accept the monetary transaction; And Upon receiving the user input signal, executing a command associated with the data to complete a financial transaction. The method of claim 54, wherein When the financial transaction is completed, supplying receipt data to the communication equipment outside the video game system, the receipt data comprising the supplying step in response to a receipt associated with the transaction. Providing a server; Providing a video game system for executing a video game, the video game system providing the video game system for supporting communication with a first network; Transmitting address data from the server to the video game system to be imprinted to the user of the video game system during execution of the video game, the data being used in electronic communication via something other than the video game And transmitting the address data. The method of claim 56, wherein Receiving the data; Executing instructions associated with the data to complete a financial transaction. The method of claim 57, wherein Upon completion of a financial transaction, providing receipt data to the communication equipment, the receipt data comprising the providing step in response to a receipt associated with the transaction. The method of claim 57 or 58, Prior to receiving data from the video game system, downloading advertisement data comprising at least a portion of an advertisement, wherein the advertisement data is for supporting interactive advertisements within a video game, wherein the interactive advertisement is a video game. And downloading the data from the video game system to the server when executed within the session.

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